--1B Josh Phelps is one of 16 non-roster players invited to the Giants' big-league camp. Phelps has a .273 career average and 64 big-league homers with six clubs, most recently the Cardinals. The non-roster players coming from other organizations include RHP Justin Miller (5.16 ERA in 153 appearances, including 33 starts, for the Blue Jays and Marlins), RHP Brandon Medders (4.58 ERA in 135 relief outings in the past four years as a Diamondback) and RHP Francis Beltran (5.69 ERA in 67 relief appearances for the Cubs, Expos and Tigers).
--LHP Jonathan Sanchez is a possibility for the bullpen, GM Brian Sabean said, if LHP Noah Lowry or someone else assumes the final rotation spot. Sanchez spent all of 2008 in the rotation. In 2007, he was a reliever until making four September starts. Out of the bullpen that year, he was ninth among NL relievers in strikeouts per nine innings (10.85). --RHP Kevin Pucetas might not have the same opportunity now that the Giants signed LHP Randy Johnson to one year and $8 million. Before the Johnson signing, GM Brian Sabean repeatedly had said Pucetas had a chance to be the No. 5 starter after he was named the top pitcher in the California League, where he was 10-2 with a 3.02 ERA for high Class A San Jose. Now, barring a trade, he appears destined for Class AAA Fresno or Class AA Connecticut.
--RHP Tyler Walker, whose ties were severed by his hometown team (the Giants), has signed with the Mariners. Walker, a San Francisco native who graduated from San Francisco's University High School and played ball at Cal (across the bay in Berkeley), was 5-8 with a 4.56 ERA in 65 outings last year. After the Giants released him early in the offseason, Walker continued to do community service work for the team.
--Team president Larry Baer, who was promoted from executive vice president in October, received a healthy contract extension, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Baer got an extension of eight to 10 years. His new duties include more involvement on the baseball side in terms of player acquisitions. He was promoted when Bill Neukom took over as managing general partner.
BY THE NUMBERS: 265 -- Strikeouts last year for Tim Lincecum, who became the first Giant to lead the majors in K's in the modern era, dating to 1900.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It could be my last season. I probably want to enjoy it a little more and be surrounded by people who are enjoying it as well." -- LHP Randy Johnson, on his approach to 2009, his first season with the Giants.
